Master the Art of Communication
Are you drawn to storytelling, media, or public speaking? If so, the Communication Transfer Major at Iowa Lakes prepares you for a dynamic career in public relations, journalism, media, or communication. With a strong foundation in writing, speaking, and media studies, you’ll develop the skills needed to thrive in today’s world.
To support your long-term goals, we designed this 64-credit Associate in Arts (AA) degree to transfer seamlessly to Iowa’s Regent Universities—including the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa, and Iowa State University—as well as other four-year colleges and universities. Whether you plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communication, public relations, or digital media, this program sets you on the path to success.
Throughout the program, the curriculum blends theory with real-world application, helping you grow as a confident communicator across multiple platforms. As a result, you’ll gain valuable experience in analyzing media, creating content, delivering powerful presentations, and building strong interpersonal relationships—skills that employers across industries are looking for.
Key areas of study include:
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Mass Media – Explore how media shapes society and learn how to craft effective content.
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Public Speaking & Interpersonal Communication – Build confidence in speaking and connecting with others.
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Professional Communication – Learn to communicate clearly and effectively in professional settings.
Launch a Career in Media or PR
Communication professionals enjoy diverse roles and growth potential U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook – Public Relations. Ready to get started? Connect with an enrollment coach and get started today!
Find Your It!
Your Voice. Your Future. Start Your Journey in Communication.
Master the Art of Communication
A career in communication means shaping ideas, building connections, and influencing the world around you. Whether you’re interested in public relations, journalism, or media strategy, the Communication Transfer Major at Iowa Lakes Community College equips you with the essential tools to succeed.
A Degree with Purpose
Earn a 64-credit Associate in Arts (AA) degree designed for seamless transfer to Iowa’s public universities—including the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa, and Iowa State University—or other four-year colleges. This program lays the foundation for further study in communication, public relations, media, or related fields.
Program Details
Length
4 terms
Degree
Associate in Arts (64 credits)
Campus
All Campuses & Online
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET, COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
SDV 103 – Successful Learning
Students master the academic and personal skills needed to succeed in higher education and in life. Content will cover academic, communication and life management skills. Goal setting, time management, note taking, test taking and how to be a lifelong learner will also be covered.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
SPC 112 – Public Speaking
This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is placed on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.
Term 2
ENG 106 – Composition II
Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and documentation as well as literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I
SPC 122 – Interpersonal Communications
Examines how humans communicate in one-on-one situations through personal and professional relationships.
HUMANITIES: 3 CREDITS
SOCIAL SCIENCE: 3 CREDITS
ELECTIVES: 3 CREDITS
Term 3
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
SPC 120 – Intercultural Communication
The Intercultural Communication course emphasizes communication theory across cultures. Focus is on identifying the cultural bases of beliefs, values, and behaviors. Interactive assignments are used for the purpose of recognizing commonalities and differences across cultures, developing a more global multicultural perspective, identifying and appreciating other cultural orientations, and recognizing and assigning cultural explanations to specific behaviors.
SCIENCE: 4 CREDITS
SOCIAL SCIENCE: 3 CREDITS
ELECTIVES: 3 CREDITS
Term 4
MMS 101 – Mass Media
An introductory course that studies mass media and society. The class includes a historical and contemporary overview of industries, professions, processes and social effects of the mass media.
SPC 170 – Professional Communication
This course is an introduction to the principles develop and practice skills needed to make them more effective communicators in interpersonal, small group and presentation settings. Topics include diversity in professional communication, verbal and nonverbal communication, listening, group and team communication, interviewing, interpersonal skills for the workplace, and developing professional presentations.
HUMANITIES: 3 CREDITS
SOCIAL SCIENCE: 3 CREDITS
ELECTIVES: 4 CREDITS
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
By obtaining an Associate in Arts (AA) degree from Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
Communications:
- Students are able to communicate clearly, both written and oral using the correct medium.
- Students are able to support ideas with appropriate and adequate information.
Sciences:
- Demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
- Apply scientific inquiry/scientific method to answer questions about the natural world.
Mathematics:
- Apply mathematical methods to solve real world problems.
- Evaluate the validity of mathematical solutions.
Social Sciences:
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in written and oral communication.
- Students will critique the diversity of human experience, individually and collectively.
Humanities:
- Respond critically using established aesthetic principles or criteria, or an ethical judgement of specific examples as it relates to the discipline.
- Express the principles of the discipline within the global community by using the language, syntax, and cultural context of the discipline appropriately.
Computers:
- Integrate the technology necessary in the workplace environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing software application tools.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Associate in Arts degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Transfer data to Iowa Regent Universities
First Year University GPA
Note: This is the average of transfer with associates and transfer, no associates
2.94
Average Retention One Year After Transferring to a Regent University
86%
Average University Graduation Rates Three Years After Entry to a Regent University
58%
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Trevor Friesner Academic Advisor 712-362-7984 | tfriesner@iowalakes.edu |